Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1887-05-20

At the conclusion of his address
Mr.. Breathitt read the following
communication from Mr.. Latham;
To THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS or THE
KIHsvILLE, KY.
GENTLEMEN; IL sincerely regret that ow-
ing TO demands uponmy time, by business en-
gagements requiring personal attention. 1t Is
impossible for me to be present at the unveil-
ing OF the Confederate Monument in your cem-
The work which undertook in tribute to the
unknown dead is finished. What was hut an
| ideal purpose In my beginning, has by your
| help developed into an accomplished fact.
The obelisks Of old are marked with strange
hieroglyphics that hide the motive OF their con-
struction In mystery. On the monument which
you to-day unveil, is chiseled in plain type the
explanation Of its object. and the sentiment OF
| ita erection.
In its construction, have been sustained by
several thoughts.
clon OF selnshness, because 1t was memorial
to the unknown dead.
Secondly, have felt perfect confidence in
the sympathy Of all true women and brave
men, believing that they would recognize in the
tomb deserved tribute to ''all Of heroism that
could die".
Thirdly, have rejoiced in the opportunity
| II gave me to do honor TO the memory OF my
comrades in arms, who left their homes, and
| lost their lives 'fOr conscience aaken.
| And, finally, l have felt that this memorial
shaft would beantify that city OF the dead In
which my father sleeps, and that the marshal
spirits OF the dead soldiers beneath 1t, would
stand guard about his grave.
My work has been finished In the fulneai
Of success, only because of your magnanimoui
| cooperation.
You have encouraged me from beginning Ia
| end, and suiting most liberal action 10 youi
| generous words OF cheer, You gave me the spa
clous and beautiful site on whicht the Monument
stands.
! Therefore in the name OF every dead hero
who sleeps In the grave you gave him, thank
| you, and on my own behalf beg to acknowledge
| most gratefully your constant assistance and
| tion Of this work. In its completion, trust II
meets your entire approval, and is In some
measure worthy OF the spirit which prompted
| its building, and the magnanimous considera-
ton you have shown toward It..
| In now formally turning the Monument ovei
| 10 you as the Official guardians Of the City o.
! Hopkinsyille, beg to say that every expenst
incident 10 its construction has bcenmet, and
| 10 assure you that OF the total cost, there re-
| mains not one dollar unpaid. have also made
| such an endowment provision as will yield suf.
grounds in perfect order for all time to come
thereby protecting the City against any possibl,
| future expense in connection with the matter,
In conclusion. cannot refrain from saying
| there 10 but one way In which this memorial
might be IN more exact conformity with my
original purpose. hoped In the beginning C
make 1oint monument 10 unknown federali
and confederates, for In the death they suffered
| there was hardship, hcToisn and raior, costing
! the precious lives OF true-hearted American
Citizens. The United states Government hay.
| ing removed tho dead federals to the Nationa
Cemetery at Fort Donelson, there were only
| left my comrades-the Confederate dead-and
| 10 their hallowed memory IJoiicste this shaft
Yours Respectfully,
JNo. y. LArHAM, in.
To this letter Mr.. Geo. o. Thomp'
son, chairman Of the Board Of Coun'
cilmen of the city of Hopkinsville and
er-oDicio Mayor responded;